Contemporary Pornography in America

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

The pornography sector of the sex industry has evolved rapidly with the creation of new technology. It is now more accessible and plentiful—for both those who want and do not want to consume it—than ever before. New levels are pursued by pornography creators to draw in audiences who seek to push the limit to more extreme content. Pornography affects more than just its traditional consumers, however. The media has become increasingly filled with sexualized content, much of which can easily be considered soft-core pornography. A look into mainstream pornography itself shows common themes which are not only degrading and violent—typically towards women—but also promoting unsafe health standards by which to express sexuality both physically and mentally. As trends in mainstream pornography move to commercials, movies, television and more, these unsafe and unhealthy sexual behaviors are normalized and woven in to everyday life. Implications of such normalization of unhealthy behavior are vast for both men and women; however the topic of pornography is stigmatized by a complex cultural veil and is rarely openly discussed. The discussion must begin for these issues to be addressed.

Authors

• Demi Jacques, Morehead State University

• Elizabeth Perkins, Morehead State University